Future of Crown Research Institutes to be revealed today

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RNZ

22 Jan, 2025 06:04 PM2 mins to read

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Crown Research Institute staff will learn their fate with the release of a long-delayed report.
The Science System Advisory Group, led by Sir Peter Gluckman, was set up to improve the science system.
Many expect the report to recommend merging some of the seven Crown Research Institutes.

By Mary of Argue RNZ

Crown Research Institute staff are to learn their fate today, with the likely release of a long-delayed report expected to overhaul the science sector.

The Science System Advisory Group (SSAG) – led by Sir Peter Gluckman – was set up in March 2024 by Judith Collins, the Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology at the time, to advise on improving the science system.

The recent Cabinet reshuffle will mean Dr Shane Reti will be overseeing the delivery of the group’s highly anticipated recommendations, the release of which is now several months behind schedule.

The seven Crown Research Institutes carry out scientific research for the country. Photo / 123rf

The group was due to give its initial report in June and a second report in October last year, but neither has been made public.

Those within the sector have told RNZ they are expecting to learn the fate of the seven Crown Research Institutes (CRI) – companies that carry out scientific research for the country – on Thursday, with many predicting that certain institutes will be merged.

RNZ understands senior leaders at CRIs were briefed on the SSAG report recommendations on Wednesday and will be informing staff on Thursday, to coincide with the report’s release.

Answering questions about the country’s economic growth yesterday, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the Government would be further discussing the role of science in the economy.

“You’ll hear us talk more about how we plan to ... operationalise the science and technology system so that we can get better businesses and bigger businesses in place.”

The Prime Minister is to deliver his annual State of the Nation address today.

- RNZ